DANNY LOVES HIS BOOTIFUL TIME AT TOWN
Years in non-League have paved the way for ascent to the Premier big-time
Jutkiewicz Pinnock
BRENTFORD defender Ethan Pinnock reckons the joy of six has steeled him for a Premier League promotion push.
Pinnock, 26, netted his first goal since a £3million summer move from Barnsley to earn a point at St Andrew’s and leave Thomas Frank’s side four points off second place.
The Londoner spent six years at Dulwich Hamlet, playing over 200 games, before helping Forest Green into the EFL.
Pinnock (equalising, below) believes the rough and tumble of non-League has set him up well for a Championship promotion battle. The former Millwall youngster said: “I played a lot of games in non-League at a young age.
“That prepared me for the physical side and the difference in the men’s game. The few clubs I’ve been at, I’ve managed to get a few promotions and been in similar positions.
“I’m used to how things work out going up and hopefully I can use that to get us over the line.
“For every footballer, that’s the dream. Every footballer should aspire to play at the highest level they can and playing in the Premier League would be a massive achievement.
“When you are young, every boy watches Match of the Day and dreams of it. It would be fantastic.”
After scrapping for so long in the semi-pro game, Pinnock is thrilled to be competing for a place in the most competitive league in the world.
“It’s really exciting. That’s what football is all about – coming to the latter stages of the season, you want to be fighting for something,” he added.
“The fact we are still in the race, the boys have done great.”
Birmingham’s Lukas Jutkiewicz believes he has found a quality strike partner in Scott Hogan to replace Che Adams.
Jutkiewicz bagged his 12th goal of the season to put Blues ahead but is grateful the workload is being shared with on-loan Aston Villa striker Hogan.
Ex-Brentford marksman Hogan has notched three goals in four games for his new club to plug the gap left by £13m Adams, who went to Southampton after
hitting 20 goals for Blues last season. Jutkiewicz said: “It takes different styles to win matches and pose different threats to defences – and we try to do that. Hopefully we’ve got a decent balance. “I enjoyed playing with Che and now I’m enjoying playing with Scott. “With Scott, you always know he’s going to score goals. He’s doing that here and has shown that wherever he has been. If he gets a good run of games, he’ll score goals and we’re really happy to have him.” BIRMINGHAM:
BRENTFORD:
MOTM
LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ (BIRMINGHAM)
Ref: Stephen Martin Att: 20,379
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HUDDERSFIELD
DURING Danny Cowley’s successful managerial career in the lower leagues, his choice of footwear was football boots.
Nothing has changed in the Championship. He was still wearing them for his post-match press conference, his Town team having dented Derby’s fading hopes of making the play-offs.
And even though the Terriers look set for another season in the second tier, thanks to the Cowley’s rescue act, he admits certain habits will take some shaking off.
“When you are managing at the lower levels you don’t want to get your trainers mucked up,” said the former Lincoln boss. “And now I’ve got to this level you don’t need the boots do you?”
Aside from the dress code Cowley and brother and co-manager Nicky are taking to life in the Championship just fine.
They have brought in Harry Toffolo (above) from Lincoln – the full-back who was an ever-present in the Imps side that won the League Two title last season.
“I hadn’t spoken to Danny from the day he left Lincoln until I knew this move was happening,” said Toffolo, 24. “Danny and Nick made a truce they wouldn’t speak to any Lincoln players out of respect for the club and the players in case they got distracted.”
Tom Lawrence put Derby ahead with his third goal against Huddersfield this season before Toffolo made sure Derby’s game at Fulham has become a must-win if promotion is to remain a possibility.
“You could say there’s a bit more pressure on Friday, but our home form has been good,” said Rams’ defender Craig Forsyth.
DERBY:
HUDDERSFIELD:
REF:
MOTM
ATT:
HARRY TOFFOLO (HUDDERSFIELD)